Part 31 (2/2)
”It's a question for our own family to settle,” Mrs. Breen added.
”I'll go at once,” said Penny. She gazed questioningly at Rhoda.
”Do you really think you could take me in at your place?” the girl asked.
”Of course. My offer holds.”
”Then I'll come with you!” Darting to a wardrobe closet, Rhoda began to toss garments into a suitcase.
”Rhoda, you can't go like this!” Mrs. Breen cried in protest. ”Why won't you listen to reason?”
”Let her go!” Mr. Coaten said harshly. ”She'll come back in a day or two glad to accept my offer.”
Rhoda paid no heed to the conversation which flowed about her. Swiftly she packed her suitcase and told Penny that she was ready to leave.
”Mrs. Breen,” she said, squeezing the woman's hand in parting, ”you and Pop have been wonderful to Ted and me. I'll never forget it--never.
Someday I'll repay you, too.”
”This is the way you do it,” Mrs. Breen retorted bitterly. ”By defying my wishes.”
There was nothing more to be said. Penny and Rhoda quickly left the trailer, carrying the suitcase between them.
”I shouldn't have done it,” the girl murmured contritely. ”I don't know how I'll ever manage to make a living. Ted likely will side against me, too.”
”Don't think of anything tonight,” Penny advised, although she too was worried. ”We'll find something for you. Dad may have an opening on the _Star_.”
Mrs. Weems long ago had ceased to be surprised by anything that Penny did, and so, when the two girls arrived at the Parker home, she did not ask many questions. Rhoda was comfortably established in the guest room and made to feel that she was welcome. However, ultimately learning what had occurred, the housekeeper was not at all certain that Penny had done right by helping the girl to leave home. Nor was Mr. Parker encouraging about the prospects of finding employment.
”Can she type or take shorthand?” he asked bluntly.
”I don't think so,” Penny admitted.
”The _Star_ can't be made a catch-all for your unemployed friends,” Mr.
Parker resumed severely. ”My advice is to send her back to the Breens.”
”I can't do that, Dad. You don't understand.”
”Well, let it ride for a few days,” her father replied, frowning. ”I'll see what I can do.”
Penny tried to keep Rhoda from realizing that her presence in the household had created a problem. In the morning the girls went to school together, returned for lunch, and then attended the afternoon session.
Rhoda became increasingly gloomy.
”Penny, this can't go on indefinitely,” she protested. ”I'll have to get a job somehow.”
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